How to Find a Product Key on a Computer

By Stephen Lilley

A product key is a multi-digit series of numbers and letters that is unique to your specific installation of a program or operating system. Nobody else on the planet should be using your specific key for a program, which is why the program is able to use the key to validate your installation and prove you legally purchased your software. Finding a product key on a computer will vary in procedure depending on what type of key you're trying to find.

Windows Product Key

Step 1

Click "Start."

Step 2

Select "Computer."

Step 3

Choose the "System Properties" option. Your Windows operating system product key will be listed at the bottom of the page that is now open onscreen.

Other Software

Step 1

Click "Start."

Step 2

Click "Programs."

Step 3

Open the program you want to work with by clicking on its shortcut icon in this folder.

Step 4

Click "Help."

Step 5

Look for one of two options in the program's "Help" menu--either "Registration" or "About." Most of the time, a program's product key will be listed under the "About" screen, but certain programs may require you to enter a dedicated "Registration" page in order to find the information.